Area Highlights

Description Of The Area

A visit to Connemara is something spectacular, and a trip to Inishbofin, an offshore island accessible by ferry from Cleggan Harbour, is sure to make your Connemara experience all the more memorable.

Inishbofin, (Inis Bo Finne – Island of the White Cow) lies seven miles off Galway’s coast. The island is 5.7km by 4km. The main activities on the island today are tourism, farming and fishing. There are five townlands on the island, West Quarter, Fawnmore, Middle Quarter, Cloonamore and Knock. The island offers plenty of eateries for visitors. Also on offer is bike hire, craft shops, sea angling, pony trekking, relaxation and beauty treatments.

The island boasts award winning sandy beaches with crystal clear waters which make swimming, snorkelling and diving, a fantastic experience for all who take part. The island also has its own diving centre. Other activities on the island include mountain walks, hill climbing and excellent shore and sea angling. Inishbofin has 3 looped walks, offering magnificent views of the island and the ocean. Bird colonies and seal colonies can be seen from a distance along the shores and cliffs. Geological wonders such as sea stacks and blow holes can also be viewed and explored.

Inishbofin has become known for traditional Irish music and song and often hosts many visiting musicians and artists. The islands own Inishbofin Ceili Band also perform in the islands bars throughout the year.

Festivals throughout the year include the Inishbofin Arts Festival, Inishbofin Walking Festival, Inishbofin Regatta, Inishbofin Set Dancing & Trad Weekend, Bia Bofinne – A Taste of Inishbofin and all have proven very popular with visitors from all over the world.